Wash-board



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C. L. TRAVIS.

WASH BOARD.l No. 335,977. Patented Feb. 9, 1886.

N. PUDls, www Lmwgmphw. Washington, D. C.

CHARLES L. TRAVIS, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

WAS H B OA R D.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 335,977, dated February9, 1886.

Application tiled Drcernbcr 17, 1884. Serial No. 150,574. (No model.)

Eative surface of which has numerous hemispheric elevations, and alsodepressions'of like form closed at the bottom. I usually construct thebody of the board of Zinc or other appropriate sheet metal, and arrangethe studs irregularly or in lines oblique tothe direction in which thefabrics are moved, in order that every portion of the surface may beacted on. The depressions or cavities are closed at the betteln, insteadof opening throughthe metal. This is deemed an important feature, sincethe cavities are thus adapted to receive and retain the soap and givethe same up gradually to the fabric, and are caused through theformation of a vacuum therein by the passing fabric to produce a suctionand draw the water through the fabric. In practice it is found that thevacuum thus formed in the numerous cavities aids very materially incausing the dissolution and removal of the dirt and foreign matters.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 represents a face view, and Fig. 2 avertical section, of my improved board.

A represents a metal sheet, provided on its front with the numeroushemispheric protuberances or studs, and with the intermediate cavitiesor depressions, b, also of a hemispheric form. The surface may beformed, as shown, by means of dies, rollers, or other suitableappliancesfamiliar to workers in metal. The studs and cavities may be of any appropriate size, and may be modified slightly in form; but I recommend theform shown and a diameter of from threesixteenths to onefourth of aninch as adapted to give the most satisfactory results. I mount theprepared sheet in a supportingframe of any suitable character, so thatit may be used in the same manner as boards of ordinary construction. Tosecure the best results, the studs and cavities should be arranged, asshown, so that they will not face in line lengthwise of the board. Thusarranged they tend to urge the fabric sidewise as it is carried up anddown over the board, so that every portion is acted upon and indifferent directions.

I am aware that boards have been provided with hemispheric studs, andalso thata board has been provided with studs and intermediate cavitiesopening through the back of the board, and to such constructions I layno claim. Perforations through the board are not adapted to retain thewater, and will not produce the sucking action peculiar to my board.

What I claim is- 1. A washlboard having its surface provided with aseries of hemispheric elevations or protuberances and with intermediatecavities or cells closed at the bottom, substantially as described andshown.

. 2. The wash-board having the otherwise plain surface provided with theseries of ,rounded protuberances an'd the intermediate rounded cavitiesor cells closed at their bases, substantially as and for the purposedescribed.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, this 5th day of December,1884, in the presence of two attesting witnesses.

CHARLES L. TRAVIS.

Witnesses:

A. H. NUNN, GEO. P. Srnnnivs.

